Frantically, I got off work late and 30 miles away I broke every law in book to weedle my way through stalled-ox traffic to get to the show.

San Francisco was still amidst a protracted Indian summer and it was remarkably warm for their city. I did not carry a jacket.

Walking into Winterland I noticed that there was
not the usual melee' in the street or on the sidewalk fronting the venue. Security guard paid me no mind as I strolled quizzically through the doors. They ignored me. I didn't even present my ticket.

I walked straight into the main floor and essentially right on up to the front of the stage. It was not at all crowded. I wondered why. What was going on? Was there a bomb scare, or something?

Without hoopla or introduction Weir, Lesh and Garcia quickly came out, tuned up and launched into it.

Also should note: This one I attended clean -- no drugs, no booze.

Head up at 7, the Dead started.
They played wonderfully throughout.

Though it fails me, I cannot recall anything special about the night's music. Funny, I only recall that there was a slight anomaly in my ears to the drums. As I listen to this recording now I can hear it, but it does not spoil the overall effect. Thank you, Jay Ashley.

This is, every note, a magnificent show.

Thank you Archives.

Hello all - It's day 3 of October 1974 and I am here to review the third installment. I'll start off by saying that I slept on the ground outside the venue last night. I just needed to be front row for all of you out there who weren't able to attend. It wasn't cold, but it wasn't humid like SF always seems to be in October. Moving on, I'm here to review the show.
To put it nicely, this is it. I know I have two nights to go but I already ate all of my sheets so there's really no going back. Maybe it was a bit preemptive, but we only live once. Around BROWN EYED WOMEN it kicked in and I was feeling a bit loose than Lucy was. Then TENNESSEE JED > JACK STRAW > ROW JIMMY happened and I couldn't take it. I joined in with the spinners and I saw GOD.
The secon set was brilliant. Really just topped the whole thing in cream. The Jam into DARK STAR was the silver lining that I needed to get where I was going. To me, that was what they were going for in these night-run. It's all worth it. I'm dancing, still dancing, and the music never stopped.
See y'all tomorrow.

Wow, this show is amazing. The entire first set is perfect as well as the second set. The jam into Dark Star is genius and the Dark Star itself is very good. It’s nice and mellow, not too spacey, and even gets pretty funky for a bit. But the Morning Dew is what makes this show so
special. It’s filled with energy and emotion and the solo sections are absolutely nuts. This is THE Dew. Check it out asap.

Listen to this Jack Straw...cripes...he can't stop soloing! Up and down the scales he goes and this version is the shit.
lol oh yeah..great show great sound quality

The whole show is tip top, and even Donna is on, but the jam->Dark Star->Dew is one for the ages. It's not a spacy, indulgent Dark Star, but a seemingly well-crafted musical Dark Star, with very smooth transitions, and a mellow feel throughout. At one point it evolves into a funky feel reminiscent of jazz-rock of the same period. (There are other instances of this in 1973-1974 as well.) And yes, another great Dew in a great Dew year.
From Not Fade Away until the end is spot-on, clean, tight Dead rock and roll.

I try to resist the urge to watch this "Star" on the DVD, because I find it far more rewarding to listen while driving down winding roads on a black night. It evokes exploring the multi-colored caverns with pixie dust lighting the way and all that other spooky good magical crap.

One of the strongest shows of '74, and the second set is one of most unique sets ever. As stated earlier, a complete meltdown, and the best Morning Dew of the year in an incredible Dew year (2/24,3/23,6/18,9/10). Yes it's the one in the the movie, and for my ears, perhaps the best all-time performance - totally tight, zero mistakes, huge power from Phil, incredible dynamics, perfect!

At very least top 5. Jerry's so sweet on this one and Row Jimmy.
5 star show
5 star sound
This is a true Gem.

i thinks this is the dark star>dew from the grateful dead movie.. i thinks maybe. still gives me goosebumps.

DB

Besides the obvious standout of the Jam>Star>Dew, this show can stand alone on its first set merits. I may have just stumbled on my favorite Cumberland. Brown-Eyed is stellar, El Paso cooks. El Paso!? Straw is huge. Everything really kicks. Billy and Phil are really driving the boys. They're all ON it tonight. Cookin' with gas.

Yeah, it's hissy. Yeah, Jerry is down on the mix. But if you want the longest, uninterrupted meltdown of all time, get this one. From the Phil & Ned ashes becomes the JAM>DARKSTAR of all time. Jerry is dialed in to say the least. The jam into Dark Star is a masterpiece in itself. Oh yeah, then they go into Morning Dew!

but it is also in the other offering. I'm going with this one after a few streams. It's a touch better quality to my ear. Especially vocally.